EAL/LA is proud to announce the

First Annual Summer Soiree!

Please join us for a lively soiree on Saturday, July 27th from 8-10:30pm. Tickets are $25 and help to support EAL/LA programs throughout the year. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, music, and a silent auction filled with wonderful activities and events throughout Los Angeles. Most importantly, have a great time with friends and compatriots of EAL/LA.

Purchase Your Ticket Today!

Electric Lodge
1416 Electric Avenue
Venice, CA 90291

Join Arts For LA on ArtsDay 2013 for the City Council meeting in the John Ferraro City Council Chamber of Los Angeles City Hall.  The meeting begins at 10:00 a.m.

ArtsDay is an opportunity to unite artists, audiences, and arts organizations with the leaders who represent them in City Hall. The first 250 people to sign up to attend will receive a free, awesome T-shirt designed by a local artist.

This is a chance for EAL/LA members to get excited about their district and join others in advocacy for the arts. ArtsDAy highlights the arts from all spheres of life, from education to business, public safety to health care, transportation to innovation.

You can participate in a vareity of ways that include joining Arts For LA for the city council meeting (direct sign up here), thanking your council member (here), and posting this badge to your social media page.

(Click through each image to see it full sized on EAL/LA’s flickr.)

This is Emerging Arts Leaders / Los Angeles. Our Membership/Marketing and Communications teams have worked together to complie data and create this image representing the membership of EAL/LA. The data show some interesting trends and gives insight into areas of need and interest for the future of EAL/LA.

Certain trend are apparent in each of the demographic fields. A quick glance shows that the majority of EAL/LA members are 21-39 year old. Most of the members are female and the largest subset for race is white. The majority are employed full time and an overwhelming number of members have a degree or an advanced degree. The average salary for these members ranges from 20-45 thousand dollars per year. The data also shows that EAL/LA is an inclusive organization. The range in age, gender, nationality and race, and education and income levels offers insight into the inclusive policies of our organization. Member statistics are also reflective of the arts management field in general, cementing the reality that national arts sector jobs are largely held by white women with degrees.

What does this information mean for EAL/LA? It provides insight into what we are made of, giving direction for future programming and membership growth. It also points to areas where we need to improve. The Leadership Council is concerned with broadening the race and gender audience of EAL/LA and becoming more reflective of the breadth of diversity in Los Angeles. The data and graphics also provide talking points for explaining what EAL/LA is, who it serves, and what functions it provides. With this tool, the Leadership Council and members can say that EAL/LA is an organization that provides opportunities for Professional Development for the arts sector in Los Angeles. The Demographics include a wide range of diversity but are reflective of national trends in the field. Having a cool graphic to use as a discussion point is a bonus.

It should be remarked, EAL/LA provides a wide range of professional development and networking activities throughout the year. The two Creative Conversations book end the Fall and Spring seasons with their full day lectures and workshops while the rest of the year is filled with organizational committee meetings, workshops based on departments, resume roundtables, and a glut of Social Media interactions. All of the committees accept volunteer membership throughout the year and provide opportunities for members to become as involved as they would like to be in EAL/LA.

The Leadership Council encourages all of our members and future members (sign up for free membership here at ealla.org) to engage and help shape the organization. The full complement of department chairs will be “emerging” this year, requiring an election of new co-chairs for each seat. Join a department to learn more and provide yourself with opportunities for professional growth.

Special Thanks to Gavin Williamson for compiling the demographic information. Thanks to Gopi Shah for her assistance in building the infographic. And thank to all the members who participated and allowed us to compile the information.

By K. Ryan Henisey and Stephanie Stallings

The good news: arts leaders are encouraged by the high salaries of performing artists, the size of the arts sector’s impact on the LA area economy and the wide variety of arts represented in the Otis Report on the Creative Economy of the Los Angeles Region . The bad news: those same leaders are surprised by the projected slow growth of the economic rebound and they want more and clearly defined data. Overall, arts leaders are impressed that this research is being done and are pleased by the amount of economic weight the arts have in our community. The question remains then, how do we use this information –  for advocacy and to form partnerships?

One can easily see how the 2012 Otis Report emerges from the trend of attempting to determine the economic value of the arts for advocacy and funding purposes—an attempt also seen in Americans for the Arts’ release of the national Arts and Economic Prosperity IV last year.

While the AEP IV focuses on the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry, the Otis Report gathered data in new and interesting ways. Building on Richard Florida’s “creative class” theories, it incorporated the local visual and performing arts economy into the larger scheme of creative enterprise in the Los Angeles region. By doing so, it makes a much more persuasive argument about how the arts contribute to overall economic development.

The report mattered to the leaders gathered at the LA Stage Alliance and Emerging Art Leaders / Los Angeles event on Monday, February 4th, because it shows that the “creative economy is the fourth largest employment cluster” and “creates one out of eight jobs” in the region.  It states that “direct and indirect employment in the creative industries based in Los Angeles County totaled 589,600 jobs in 2011.” These numbers have an impact on the regional economy and on the creative sector.  The report also moves away from the “art for art’s sake” model built on the attempt to convey the intrinsic cultural and aesthetic value of the arts, an approach that has lost much of its efficacy due to shifting demographics and economic uncertainty.

In a workshop led by Terence McFarland, CEO of LA Stage Alliance, 25-30 LA Area arts leaders and emerging leaders tackled the Otis Report on the Creative Economy for 2012. The widely diverse group discussed challenges, hopes, and action steps needed with this large report on creative money making.

McFarland led a lively discussion with break out groups covering the Otis Report as a whole. Participants discussed their biggest surprises and worries concerning the report and ways to leverage the information to further the creative economy and economic growth in LA.

Though largely representative of nonprofit arts organizations, the participants discussed actions and displayed an interest in using the information presented within the Otis Report to further enhance the creative economy of the region. Many members called for further work with local chambers of commerce and policy makers, developing a wider nonprofit community dedicated to furthering the creative economy, and building lines of communication concerning economic growth in the arts sector to city councils, law enforcement, and more.  These thoughts reveal of willingness for cross sector collaboration in the development of a total creative economy among participants.

There were some concerns with the report voiced in the room.  There were questions concerning the data, especially ways in which nonprofit arts organizations were lumped with for profit arts and Hollywood. One of the largest complaints across the room was that the report did not clearly define what constituted the creative economy – for instance, the inclusion of journalism as an arts sector with no inclusion of any other publishing media.  Participants pointed out other missing bits of information including statistics on higher education, job placement, and job loss across the arts sector.

Overall, the atmosphere was positive, with participants clearly concerned with how to effectively use the measurements of the Otis Report in meaningful ways across LA.  It was remarked with seriousness that the Otis Report reveals LA to be an arts capitol in our nation. McFarland and EAL/LA closed the evening with a promise to keep the conversation alive with more sessions dedicated furthering the impact of the data and the creative economy.

More than anything, the Otis Report gives us data about how the arts interact with other areas of the creative ecosystem in the Los Angeles region. It’s now up to us to leverage the data and continue to build coalitions that recognize the unique contributions of the for-profit and non-profit arts to education, connectivity, engagement, and economic prosperity.

Santa Monica Museum of Art

Associate Director of Advancement
Department: Advancement

February 1, 2013

Reporting to the Deputy Director for Advancement, the Associate Director of Advancement is responsible for managing the programs that identify, cultivate, and steward individual donors to the Santa Monica Museum of Art. Other functions include the development of new donor programs, oversight of individual and corporate membership initiatives, and management of special events.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work closely with the Deputy Director for Advancement, in concert with the Executive Director, to establish long-term goals and objectives for individual giving, including an advancement plan and solicitation calendar aligned with programmatic and budgetary needs.

• Steward and solicit a portfolio of major donors who contribute a minimum of $1,000+ annually, with a special emphasis on the Ambassador’s Circle ($10,000+).

• Identify most appropriate people to participate in cultivation of individuals. Engage staff and Board of Directors in the process and, when appropriate, participate in solicitation meetings.

• Work closely with Advancement team to establish long-term strategies and objectives for individual and corporate membership giving. Oversee Director’s Salon ($3000 – $5000) membership level.

• With the Advancement team, align activities of membership and individual giving to ensure the regular matriculation of donors.

• Manage and oversee development associate, monitoring implementation of database management, gift processing, grants coordination and preparation, membership initiatives, events logistic preparations, donor correspondence, and mailings.

• Ensure an exceptional donor experience at all events, with a focus on cultivation and stewardship. Conceptualize and implement membership programs and small donor cultivation events.

• Assist the Deputy Director for Advancement to provide support and leadership to the Board for fundraising initiatives.

• Work with communications team to develop strategies for advancement presence in all communications and marketing. Oversee the advancement presence on the website.

• Assist the Deputy Director for Advancement to develop and implement strategy for annual fundraising benefit.

• Maintain accurate and complete records of donor communications. Prepare regular reports on all campaign activities.

• Monitor revenue and expenses related to membership and individual giving.

• Assume other tasks and responsibilities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree. Post graduate study in Arts Administration, Fine Art, or Art History preferred.

Work Experience: Minimum 5 years of development experience with increasing responsibility, successful history in individual giving, and extensive knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and ethics. Knowledge of Santa Monica and Greater Los Angeles philanthropic community and experience fundraising in the arts are highly desired.

Skills & Abilities: Superior writing ability and interpersonal skills. Collaborative and creative approach to work. Exceptional organizational and analytical skills. Attention to detail. Initiative and independence in carrying out responsibilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with good humor. Aptitude for management and effective use of information systems in support of an advancement program. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Adobe Professional. Familiarity with eTapestry is a significant asset. Possession of integrity, good judgment, and the highest ethical standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Willingness to work flexible hours. Evening and weekend hours will be required. Must be able to lift 25 pounds. Must own a car and possess a valid driver’s license.

DEPARTMENT: Advancement

SUPERVISOR: Deputy Director for Advancement

SCHEDULE: Full-time (includes benefits)

OPEN POSITION: February 1, 2013

CLOSING POSTION: Open until filled
Send resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and salary requirements via email with subject header “Associate Director of Advancement” to claire.ruud@smmoa.org. No phone calls please.

Associate Director of Advancement_February1_2013.pdf (215 KB)

This post was submitted by Leslie Velez.

Congratulations to Year 4 of Arts Professionals Advisors Link (APAL) participants!

Pilar Alvarez

Virginia Broersma

Natasia Gascon

Alma Guzman

Andrew Kaiser

Stephanie Kistner

Christa Lorenz

David Marks

Seth Pringle

Emily Rumack

Laura Sardisco

Elizabeth Wachtel

To learn more about this program please visit ealla.org/about-apal

Need a quick resume boost?  The first seven members to comment “resume” below will meet with our Communications CoChair K. Ryan Henisey for a round table resume workshop on Tuesday, December 11, at 7pm.

Register now for Emerging Arts Leaders/Los Angeles October 2012 Creative Conversations Event:

Sparking Inclusive Dialogue Through Creative Placemaking

This daylong event will explore how creative placemaking can enjoin atypical collaborators in a dialogue not only about art, but also about our community at large. Fostering the cultivation of Los Angeles and areas within it into “creative places” has a positive effect on the arts sector and the region as a whole:

“In creative placemaking, partners from public, private, non-profit, and community sectors strategically shape the physical and social character of a neighborhood, town, city, or region around arts and cultural activities. Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired.”
Ann Markusen (Markusen Economic Research Services) and Anne Gadwa (Metris Arts Consulting), “Creative Placemaking,” 2010.

Saturday, October 20
Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039

11:00am-4:00pm: conference with catered lunch
4:00pm: Networking mixer at The Griffin, 3000 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039
EAL/LA encourages creators, performers, funders, arts administrators and anyone who is interested from any and all fields to attend.
Purchase your $20 ticket today!

The keynote speaker for the symposium is John Malpede, the Founder and Director of the Los Angeles Poverty Department. LAPD’s mission is to create performances that connect lived experience to the social forces that shape the lives and communities of people living in poverty.

Following the keynote and a catered lunch, we’ll have an exciting panel discussion with: Anne Bray, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Freewaves Engagement with edgy, demanding, enlightening art by a broad public is Bray’s mission…She is a visual instigator and translator.

Brian Janeczko, Architectural and Industrial designer and fabricator, Janeczko will speak about how technology and craft are impacting the traditional notions of and venues for community based public art. He will also speak about his experiences as founder and director of the architectural cycling group BikeHaus.

Dan Kwong, Project Director of Collaboratory at Great Leap, Inc. Culture, class, race, gender, sexuality and nationality all come under scrutiny in his innovative performances which weave together storytelling, multimedia, poetry, striking visuals, dynamic physicality and a generous sense of humor.

To learn more about this event and the speakers, read the Press Release.

To purchase your ticket now, please visit: http://ealla.kintera.org/ecommerce

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra – Development & Promotions Associate

position purpose

To coordinate fundraising events and donor/patron stewardship activities for the Orchestra, and oversee LACO’s volunteer program, college outreach program and related activities.

scope & responsibilities
The development and promotions associate works regularly with the development, marketing and production departments to plan and implement high-level special events, promotional events and patron appreciation activities. Additionally, the associate oversees and coordinates all aspects of the Orchestra’s volunteer and college engagement programs.

Responsibilities are as follows:

-Support board and event committees on two major fundraising galas and several smaller exclusive events each season including First Chair, à la Carte, Sound Investment, donor lounges at concerts and other events as needed;
-Generate and maintain invitation and related lists; coordinate mailing of save the date cards, event fundraising letters and invitations; track event RSVPs and contributed income;
-Interact with vendors for price quotes and arrangements;
-Coordinate all auction needs and materials;
-Manage catering sponsor and all supply needs for donor lounges and special events;
-Develop and maintain opportunities for promotional events and activities including partnerships with other organizations and individuals
-Monitor and provide content for social media projects possibly including Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook;
-Coordinate volunteer activities for events, concerts and special projects;
-Oversee, expand and support Campus to Concert Hall program, including managing campus representatives; act as liaison to colleges as needed;
-Additional projects as assigned.

experience/characteristics required
The ideal candidate will be an organized, mature, personable, detail-oriented problem solver with excellent communication and critical-thinking skills. Bachelor’s degree is required. 3-5 years successful work experience in events at an arts-related organization is preferred. The associate must possess the ability to respond both quickly and with imagination to a variety of simultaneous challenges and opportunities. Solid computer skills including the use of databases, Microsoft Word and Excel are a must. Some evening and weekend hours are required.

to apply
Please email resume, comprehensive cover letter and 2-3 page writing sample to: sarahsinger@laco.org

2012 Development and Promotions Associate.pdf (30 KB)

This post was submitted by Maya Kalinowski.

2012 EAL/LA Leadership Council Co-Chair election time is here! If you are a registered member of ealla.org you will receive an email with this link to VOTE. Wanna know who’s running? Read more about the candidates below.

For election schedule and position descriptions, please read: http://ealla.org/leadership-council-elections/

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Candidate for Executive Co-Chair:


Shayna Keller


Managing Director / Dance Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles

As a native Angeleno, I care deeply about Los Angeles’s arts community, and have spent most my life as a performer, maker, audience member and arts administrator in this cultural landscape. Los Angeles’s strength lies in its size and abundance of cultural participation, but its vastness can be overwhelming and isolating to those new to the arts community. EAL/LA’s welcoming, inclusive network is an invaluable resource for our city’s emerging cultural workers.

During my first experience with what folks in our community so fondly know as “burnout”, a colleague from the dance world directed me to EAL/LA. I was relieved and thrilled find this network of people who shared the vision of a well-supported, engaged, empowered community of young arts professionals.

I have personally experienced the benefits of an expanded peer and professional network through participating in the 2012 Arts Professionals Advisors Link program. My fellow APAL mentees all bring me tremendous hope for the future of LA’s arts and culture sector, and I could not have asked for a more perfect advisor than Claire Peeps of the Durfee Foundation. EAL/LA’s programs, and the people who facilitate them, are sensitive to the needs of our field, constantly working to encourage and inspire future leaders.

This is all to say: I am passionate about EAL/LA’s mission and committed to moving the organization forward. In running for this position as Executive Co-Chair, I hope to expand my leadership skills and give back to the organization that has so generously supported my professional growth and well-being. I also hope to bring the interests and perspectives of the dance community to the table, and in turn learn from my peers across artistic disciplines.

I am well acquainted with many of the responsibilities involved in the Executive Co-Chair position through my current role as the Managing Director of the Dance Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles. As the only staff person, I am used to wearing many hats and shifting between executive, programming, development, marketing and volunteer management roles. I am naturally drawn to strategy, implementation and helping others achieve their goals. The Executive Co-Chair position would allow me to help facilitate the growth of EAL/LA, and in doing so hone my leadership skills in a new context.

Since I am the only staff member of my organization, much of the work I do happens alone. Becoming a part of EAL/LA’s Leadership Council would provide a platform for me to explore more collaborative leadership practices and build relationships with a diverse group of active, engaged peers. I find the energy of collaboration deeply satisfying and want to invite more of it into my life. Having attended a Leadership Council meeting on behalf of our APAL cohort and spent time at EAL/LA events and mixers, I know what a terrific, bright, thoughtful, dedicated group this is. It would be an honor and privilege to serve among these individuals.

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Candidate for Development Co-Chair:


Katrina Frye


Administrative Assistant / Pasadena Conservatory of Music

As a new member of EAL/LA I have been waiting for an opportunity where I could give back. The ability to inspire is priceless and I feel like EAL/LA is in the position to evoke relevant conversation while stimulating leaders to move the status quo. I have personally felt this way through EAL/LA’s blogpost and current members. As a young leader I am always looking for ways to stay accountable and encouraged. I see my chance for a solid foundation with EAL/LA and more specifically this position.

The position of Development Co-Chair specifically resonates with me as I have concentrated on law, policy, and advocacy throughout my current Masters program. I have found that these areas of focus are the foundations to strong development. I find my strengths as a connector and activator, guiding me to be a key team player for the development field. Today’s development landscape is competitive which means creativity will rise to the top. The blend between my arts background and my present business degree lead me to be unique perspective. Not only has my professional experience directly prepared me for this position but my academic foundation overwhelmingly aligns with the needs and demands of the Development Co-Chair. I believe this opportunity would bring a great balance to my professional and personal development. I find myself at a perfect crossroads in the professional career. I have now been an assistant to just about every position in the work place and I see this Co-Chair position aligning me to move beyond assistant to director. I have been waiting for an opportunity to dive into specifically LA’s arts leadership arena. To learn directly from the current leadership council already would be remarkable but then to further this learning with the next year of action would be incredible. I worked for about three years in San Diego making connections and staying involved in many different levels. I quickly learned that all those relationship connected to bigger platforms and larger agendas, which is where I excelled.

Some of my goal/objectives I hope to achieve once elected as Development Co-Chair:

Learn as much as I can about development, specifically within the Los Angeles Arts landscape.

Re-inspire donors with a clear mission and clear results

Re-inspire members of how necessary and unique EAL/LA is to their past, present, and future

Create new sustainable avenues of funding to ensure a great future

Always reflect the member’s voices in my decisions on the Leadership Council

I have worked on a Board of Directors and know what it takes to lead from behind or rally the team towards positive change. I understand the dynamics of a council and how to always stand for “the people’s“ voice. Above all I believe in our generation. We will be the next leaders of many great and established cultural assets, and I will work hard to make sure EAL/LA plays a major role in providing ready and able leaders regionally and nationally.

Candidate for Development Co-Chair:

Maria Paredes


Donor Relations Associate for the Guild / Center Theatre Group

EAL/LA is an invaluable resource for the thriving arts ecology of Greater Los Angeles. It is my goal to sustain the individuals and systems that support creative expression, and it is with this aim that I seek to serve as the Development Co-Chair.

Through five years of arts administration experience I have developed a unique skill set to steward arts organizations and their assets. With effective management, I assisted the Idyllwild Arts Academy to research suitable funding sources, the Dia Art Foundation to sustain member relationships, and the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts to advance its summer programming. Currently, as the Donor Relations Associate for the Guild at Center Theatre Group, I manage charitable membership programs and $1-999 gift fundraising appeals. These efforts resulted in approximately 156 memberships and more than $33,000 in revenue within the span of nine months.

As the Development Co-Chair, I will further ground my skills in the discipline of fundraising while developing meaningful relationships with colleagues that share my passion for contributing to the Emerging Arts Leaders community in Greater Los Angeles.

I think it is absolutely crucial that funders know the value EAL/LA programs create for its members, alumni, and the arts ecosystem. It is my goal to develop the depth of relationships with current funders and seek for diverse funding sources. These can include but are not limited to corporate gifts, foundation and government funding, membership program donations, and earned revenue. Another goal is to subsidize administrative and programmatic related costs by developing partnerships with other likeminded organizations and EAL/LA alumni. If given the opportunity to serve as the Development Co-Chair, I greatly look forward to setting challenging but achievable benchmarks for the aforementioned goals with the EAL/LA Leadership Council.

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Candidate for Marketing & Membership Co-Chair:


Aurea Adao


Assistant Special Events & Promotions Coordinator / Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO)

Hi. My name is Aurea. I am interested the Marketing & Membership Co-Chair position because I believe that I am at the cusp of realizing my purpose in Los Angeles and I can definitely characterize myself as ‘emerging’ in something (at the very least, in my own thoughts). I’m not an active member of Emerging Arts Leaders/LA but I have had you on my radar for quite some time.

I am first and foremost a driving-averse, public art-loving, suburban Angeleno lovingly referred to by my friends as “the bargainista”. To say I love going on long walks would be an understatement, because I work for Metro (the Los Angeles County Transportation Authority) and commute to work/play daily via the Gold Line. My transportation choices are not coincidental to my current place of employment but simply because I detest driving in Los Angeles, for fear that I will have to use its congested freeways (always anticipating an expensive and complex parallel parking situation), all for the sake of a fancy cup of tea.

I am not a bus driver, nor am I an engineer. I actually work in Metro’s communications department working with various departments on producing press events and securing what my boss affectionately calls “the Groupon of public transit”: Metro Destination Discounts. Specifically focused on these two social areas of public transit, I manage a myriad of projects that involve social media, web site development, public relations, marketing, writing/editing copy, and special event management.

While my current job allows me to develop strategic take-public-transit partnerships with awesome local events, restaurants, and retail throughout Los Angeles, it is with a heavy heart that I admit that arts groups have yet to actively jump on the bandwagon (at least not in the obvious way that some of our other partners have). While we have had some arts organizations approach the program, my long-term goal would be to actively engage Los Angeles’ arts organizations in promoting patrons to attend galleries, happenings, and performances without their vehicles. If we already take public transit to eat and shop, why can’t we take it for cultural experiences? Seriously though. Just wondering.

I think this mentorship program would be a fascinating experience for my professional goals in arts marketing. I’m particularly interested in the idea of an EAL/LA membership benefits program and I’d like to extend my experience with coordinating a transit-oriented membership benefits program. I’d also like to see where our alliance as arts administrators and artists can be leveraged as a way to create more partnerships within the city and beyond through creative marketing approaches.

I think I’d be a great fit for this position (and a delightful person to meet), not only because I’ve managed to immerse myself in the marketing/public relations field (despite my specific educational background in art and urban planning) but also because I too have a specific agenda to engage more arts and cultural groups to participate in a membership program. Turns out, we have something in common!

Candidate for Marketing & Membership Co-Chair:

Sarah Bedo


Development Intern / Center Theatre Group

Why are you interested in this position?

Within the last year, I have developed a skill set that revolves around social media and marketing. During Spring 2012, I was a campus social media ambassador for Superdry, a clothing company out of the UK. I managed events, posts and all of the marketing to USC’s campus via social media. Through this, I realized that I enjoyed working with marketing tools to communicate with others. I am currently working on various social media projects for The Fringe at CTG, a young professional donor group offered at CTG.

How would you be a good fit?

I feel that my passion, drive, and experience will help me excel in this position. I love theatre, and I love using any means I can to share theatre with those who love it, and even those who haven’t been exposed to it yet. I feel that my experience in both the performance and non-performance side of theatre provides me with a very well rounded background, and a unique ability to understand the needs of the performer and the business.

How would this position effect your professional & personal development?

I am on a constant personal development journey. I do not believe that will ever end. I think that EAL/LA would provide me with a wonderful space to develop in both realms by fostering a place for positive career-shaping relationships to grow and flourish. Also, having experience in EAL/LA would be showcasing exactly what I want to market myself as: an emerging arts leader in Los Angeles. Young professionals in the theatre need a guiding light and an anchor community where we can create, learn, grow and share together, and I think that EAL/LA would be a great place to do that.

What are some specific goals and/or objectives you hope to achieve in this position?

As with any position I take on, I hope to get people excited about what it is I am working on. Since my experience in the past year has really been about promotion using social media, I would want to raise the number of members, as well as the number of page views of the website. Currently, EAL/LA’s Facebook page has 572 likes. I would want to use that number and have it grow by reaching out to important members, and other media engagement opportunities. I would love to find ways to get members excited about EAL/LA, and realize some incentive-based contests, and other promotion materials to garner interest not only about the group, but also specific events for the group.

Another goal I would love to see realized is creating connections between colleges and the EAL/LA. As a current student at USC, I see how little my peers know about organizations in Los Angeles. I want to create a bond between distinguished Los Angeles colleges and provide their students with the information needed to join EAL/LA, as well as eventually have EAL/LA be marketed to students as a guiding light and a great home for their careers to grow.

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Candidate for At Large Member:


Stephanie Moore


Administrative Coordinator / Burbank Arts For All Foundation

As a current EAL/LA member, I have attended or helped plan multiple events in part because I believe in the importance of peer learning and mentorship. Throughout my career, as both a student and arts administrator, I have been fortunate to have not only an informal mentor, but also a strong cohort of emerging arts leaders with which to discuss issues and ideas. EAL/LA has become part of my cohort and as the At Large Member (ALM) I would continue to collaborate with new and current members to strengthen existing networks and forge new relationships.

My personal belief in the power of informal mentoring and continued professional development complements EAL/LA’s mission. Throughout my work on the Programming and Development Committees I have seen the dedication of committee chairs provide EAL/LA members with amazing opportunities to grow and succeed. I am skilled as a collaborator and understand that no project can be completed well without the assistance of other innovative thinkers and doers. As a board or staff member I always look to gain new skills and in turn try to offer others the same chance for growth. I know that my ability to work collaboratively as well as facilitate and lead will be important to this position.

My career goals focus on building strong communities via collaborative learning, cultural mapping, and helping artists and arts administrators find the resources necessary to continue or complete their work. These goals parallel the description of the ALM’s duties, including connecting members to the unique events and opportunities EAL/LA offers as well as creating a welcoming environment for open dialogue at each of these events. Engaging members in a dialogue about their current work, career goals and professional development needs will allow me, as the ALM, to partner with other Leadership Council members to realize programs for all EAL/LA members. Also, as a new emerging leader in the LA arts scene I am looking to build a network of arts professionals as informal mentors. As a Leadership Council member I will have the opportunity to learn more about the structure and processes of an emerging arts leader’s network, further my career goals and be a part of this creative learning community.

Candidate for At Large Member:

Laura Sardisco


Drama Instructor/ Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc.

I am interested in the position of At-Large Member because it is something that takes me outside of my normal comfort zone. See my EAL/LA blog post, HYPERLINK “http://ealla.org/networking-for-introverts/” Networking for Introverts and you’ll understand. Networking is always a challenge, especially when new to an organization. It can be daunting to find a friendly face within a crowd of unknown people. Fortunately, when I first joined EAL/LA there were several people who made me feel welcome and it’s time for me to pay it forward. As a result, EAL has presented me with many opportunities to expand my administrative skills; the hardest part was to know where to start.

My goal is to foster new member understanding of how EAL/LA offers opportunities to develop skills which directly translate into professional growth. I would also like to encourage members to participate in committees that the may feel intimidated to join. I’ve directly experienced how serving on a committee, and ultimately learning a new set of skills, has directly led to new opportunities with my organization.

This position will effect my professional development by increasing my management skills. As At-Large Member I will get to be the members’ representative to the Leadership Council to advocate for their needs as well as be responsible for a specific deliverable, promoting active membership. I will also grow my people management skills by ensuring that everyone is well informed and that everyone has a charge according to their unique skills.

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Also on the ballot:

Ronnie Wise has been serving as Interim Programming Co-Chair since February 2012.  Because of his contributions and experience in this role, the Leadership Council moves to install Ronnie as the permanent Programming Co-Chair for the 2012-2014 term.